At a glance

Each year the southeast corner of Switzerland is home to one of the largest ski races in Europe. With over 13,000 participants competing in both classic and skate style skiing it is an event not to be missed! Participants can choose to complete either the half or full marathon picking up a well deserved medal at the finish line. The holiday will be led by Eric Woolley, English Ski Council Coach and offers an excellent challenge for those wishing to take their cross-country skiing to the next level.

Itinerary

2Day 2Five days of cross-country skiing (including race day) along the well groomed tracks of the Engadin Valley. Instruction provided will aim to ensure skiers are confident come race day and have skied all sections of the 42km course.

We prefer not to specify in advance where we will ski each day. This is to enhance the flexibility and adapt to weather and snow conditions and to some extent the ability of each group. When choosing routes, the leader's priority will be to take in a variety of scenery and to ensure that participants become better and more confident skiers as the week progresses.
Examples of skiing options:
Initially we will ski close to home exploring the picturesque loipes that surround Zernez. Once we have warmed up our ski legs we will ski parts of the Engadin marathon course, venturing into the larger ski resorts such as St Moritz and Pontresina. Here we can ski a further network of easy and moderate track and for several longer, more challenging days will be possible by linking some of the more difficult routes. The scenery is outstanding, with snow-capped mountains providing an inspiring backdrop.

Your images

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You may be a total beginner or an experienced cross-country skier. Many destinations offer different level weeks or multi-grade skiing on the same week. Choose from ‘Classic’ and ‘Skate’ style holidays, or even a ski marathon race for the ultimate winter challenge. See below for more grading details.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 6 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Arrival & departure transfers

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request) GBP100

Visas or vaccinations

Ski hire

Accommodation details

Hotel Crusch Alba Swiss Lodge - 3 Star

Ideally located near to the train station but also more importantly near to the end of the race course, the hotel offers a comfortable base for the week. All rooms have en suite facilities with a TV and telephone with Wi-Fi access available in most communal areas. Food served is of a very high standard with an exceptional continental buffet offered each morning, and delicious 4-course meals served every night.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required for British passport holders.
There are no specific health risks. Holiday style

Cross-country skiing or Nordic Skiing is becoming one of the most popular winter sports. Using longer, thinner and lighter skis than downhill with bindings that let you lift your heel, we explore the winter landscapes away from the confines of the alpine pistes. Most cross-country skiing is undertaken on prepared tracks (loipe) and exhilarating days are spent skiing quickly over flat ground and up and down hills.

Grade 2+ Intermediates (unsuitable for beginners)
On these holidays there is not enough flat terrain for us to accept beginners. Suitable for clients who have done a couple of weeks with us, have developed their snow plough and can cope fairly confidently with undulating tracks.

Your Safety
On the first few days of a beginner's cross-country skiing course your instructor will choose the trails and terrain carefully, and will avoid steep slopes. However, even on the flat you should expect to fall over. Unlike downhill skiing, where falls can happen at speed, most cross-country falls happen at slow speeds or from an almost static position, and cause no injury. Although it is very rare, some falls do lead to injury; in the worst cases this may include broken bones. Overall, cross-country skiing is a safe sport to take part in, if properly instructed.
All active winter holidays involve some element of risk; from something as normal as slipping on icy pavements, to the possibility of injuries sustained as a result of the activities themselves. While we do all we canto minimize any dangers, participants must be prepared to accept some risk as part of the holiday.

Please ensure that your winter travel insurance covers you for ski racing. If you are unsure if your current policy includes this please call your insurance provider.

Eating & drinking

Each morning a delicious continental buffet is served in the hotel dining room. With traditional bircher museli, local breads, hams, cheeses, fruits, eggs and bacon on offer there is plenty to suit most dietary requirements. Teas, coffee, hot chocolate and fruit juices are included. Every evening a delicious four-course menu if served in either the hotel dining room or the adjoining pizzeria. Serving local delicacies you will be able to select from 2 or 3 choices on the set menu. Tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks are available to buy from the bar or ordered at the table; these can be charged to your room and paid at the end of the week.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

The Engadin Valley is situated at between 1000m and 1815m and at this height snow can lie from December to mid-March, with fresh snowfalls at any time. Average daytime temperatures in winter are around -5degC, though they can fall as low as -15degC with approx. 8 to 10 hours of daylight. At all times of the winter you can hope for periods of clear bright weather and in February and March it can become surprisingly warm in the sun - according to statistics the valley enjoys no fewer than 322 sunny days every year! Equally, at all times you need to be ready for the occasional stormy day.

Gallery

Reviews & community

What an amazing even to take part in! It was a great week of excellent tuition culminating in an awesome day at the ski marathon.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The excited masses at the start line, in the sunshine, in a lovely valley, set to dramatic music, about to do something that most people back in the UK think is a bit mental. And they didn't even see the skiers with trailers of beer....

Being cheered on by spectators calling out your name (it's on your race number).

The warm congratulations from Eric at the finish line!

What did you think of your group leader?

Brilliant - as usual. Eric is really patient and relaxed with the group and has a good knack of getting the technique through to people. I've seen a real improvement in my skiing with his assistance.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do it - it is so much fun!

But don't forget your suncream...

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't be put off by the fact that it is a marathon - there are all sorts of shapes, sizes, skiing abilities and fancy dress outfits taking part. It's worth it.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I'd never entered a marathon distance of any sport, let alone cross-country skiing (I'd previously done an intro week wth Exodus at Seefeld, Austria) - so the elation of finishing AND well under my expected time was a bit overwhelming and many thousands of people saw me cry like a baby (with joy!) at the finish line.

What did you think of your group leader?

Eric is a one-off - his leaderships skills, knowledge of the sport and keeness to help others reach their best is inspiring - and the fact it's all rolled up in a package of good fun is a bonus.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't be put off by the daunting word 'marathon' - I know it sounds scary BUT the lead-up days of prep and the group camaraderie takes the stress out of it, and, with the festival atmosphere of the day coupled with the adrenaline, you'll get through it. I'm not saying it's not a challenge - you will need to be fit and you will need grit determination but without the rest of the group I wouldn't have enjoyed it half as much.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Take travel wash with you - because this is a week of sweat (but no tears!)

Having spent several winter ski seasons whizzing down the alpine slopes and summer seasons working at a watersports school in the south of France, Chloe's passion for travel began whilst at university. Shortly after, she spent 2 years living in Australia and New Zealand before heading back to the UK to begin her career in travel. Her role as Product Manager has meant that not only has she been able to enjoy some great European trekking and activity trips, but also to discover a new found love of the Middle East.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

Is Switzerland as expensive as I've heard?

The cost of lunch varies but CHF15 (approx 8GBP) per lunch should suffice. Typically a large café au lait, a soft drink or a glass of beer would cost about CHF4. Wine can be bought for approximately CHF20.

Rachel George - Customer Operations

What kind of luggage should I take?

There's really no restiction, whatever feels comfortable for you. Whether that's a wheelie case or a rucksack, you won't be carrying it too far so don't worry!

Amanda Ceraolo - Product Manager

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

How do I join the Departure Lounge (forum) in the Exodus Community?

To view the Forums, including the Departure Lounge, you do not need to be member of the Exodus Community, simply click on the Community link at the top of every page and read the posts in their respective sections by entering the Departure Lounge, or one of the other options in the list on the page.

To join in a discussion, if already a member, please sign in to your Exodus website account (not related to booking reservations) to contribute to the Forum. If you are not a member of the Exodus Community, you can register by clicking the 'Sign in' at the top of every webpage and select ‘Register’ within the drop down panel.

When viewing the Forum area of the website, as you scroll through the 'Rooms' which are set out by 'travel months' during the current year within the Departure Lounge. You can then select the 'month' of intended travel, then filter the list of trips that have already been created by fellow travellers to see if your trip is listed. If the trip you are travelling on is not in the list, you can start the process by clicking on the 'Post new forum topic' link above the list on the same page. If you do see your trip within the list, select it to view the 'discussion' by your fellow travellers and you can join in by completing the 'Post your comment' section below the discussion thread.

Please note: there might be slight a delay before your post/comment appears as intended because we moderate what is published on the website.

We hope you enjoy using the Departure Lounge to meet your fellow travellers and continue to contribute right up to the start of your journey with Exodus.

Responsible travel

We realise that every holiday destination is also someone else's home and that we should leave places as we found them. Find out more about how we incorporate responsible travel into our adventure and activity holidays, and how you can help by donating to one of our responsible travel projects.